PHOTO: AP

The Phillies and Cardinals played another close game Friday, this time with the Phillies taking the win in extras with the help of a Hunter Pence home run off Jason Motte. The Cardinals had a 3-2 lead  until the seventh, when Juan Pierre slapped a double to score Cliff Lee to tie it. The Cards looked like they could have taken the lead in the 8th, but great defense by the Phils prevented the winning run from scoring. Pence’s homer in the 10th broke the tie and the Phils took the 2nd of this four-game set, 5-3.

SOLID STARTING PITCHING

Kyle Lohse and Cliff Lee both pitched well Friday night. Lohse pounded the strike zone, relying on his fielders behind him to do their jobs. Despite the two errors, they did pretty well. Lee’s location was spot on, but with the mishaps in the fourth inning and a few mistakes, he surrendered three runs. Here are their lines:

Lee: (ND) 7.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

Lohse: (ND) 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Lee still does not have a win in 2012.

GETTING THE JOB DONE EARLY

In the 2nd inning, with two outs, Jimmy Rollins slapped a soft line drive to right for an RBI single, which was followed by an amazingly placed ground ball by Juan Pierre that resulted in an error and another run.

In the Cardinals half of the inning, they responded with a little “getting it done” themselves, with a double by Matt Adams followed by a ground ball down the first base line by Shane Robinson that barely made it inside the first base bag, resulting in an RBI double.

A WACKY FOURTH INNING

In the Cardinals half of the fourth, David Freese started off with a deep fly ball to center that Shane Victorino lost in the night sky that resulted in a triple. After Yadier Molina singled up the middle, Matt Adams hit a pop up to right that Hunter Pence lost in the sky that dropped in as well. But thanks to Victorino’s strong arm, Molina was thrown out at third on the play. The next hitter was Shane Robinson, who hit a slow roller to third for an infield single. Pitcher Kyle Lohse stepped to the plate and squared to bunt, only to pop it up to Placido Polanco at third. Finally, Rafael Furcal struck out to end the inning. Wacky stuff.

CLUTCH PHILS

In the top of the 7th, after a Cliff Lee two-out single, Juan Pierre smoked a ball in the left-center gap and Lee hustled all the way around to score to tie the game. Then Lee came out and threw a scoreless inning to make sure the Cards couldn’t respond right away.

Then in the 8th, with Molina at first, Adams hit a gapper that looked like it would be a potential game winning hit, but a perfect relay throw by Victorino to Galvis to Ruiz had Molina–who tried a collision to jar the ball loose–out by a mile. I particularly liked the fact that after the rough collision, both catchers exchanged what looked to be friendly words. It’s always good to see good sportsmanship in such tight situations.

In the ninth, with runners on 1st and second and two outs, Raul Valdes made a series of good pitches to push the game to extras, and went on to pick up the win.

In the 10th, Juan Pierre lead off with an outstanding at-bat against closer Jason Motte, knocking a single. Hunter Pence came to the plate and launched an opposite field bomb that would be the game-winner for the Phils.

GAME NOTES:

Rafael Furcal still has Cliff Lee’s number,  as he hit his second home run off the Phillies lefty in 13 at-bats.

Lee continued to show his skills at the plate, as he collected two hits on the night.

The Phils take on the Cards again tomorrow night at 7:15 PM EST in the third of four games this weekend with Kyle Kendrick taking the mound for the Phillies and Jaime Garcia taking the mound for the Cardinals.

Philadelphia Phillies (23-23) at St Louis Cardinals (25-20)

Cliff Lee (0-2, 2.66) vs. Kyle Lohse (5-1, 2.91 ERA)

Time: 8:15, Busch Stadium
TV: CSN
Weather: Sunny, 79
Media: Twitter and Facebook

The Phillies and Cardinals combined for nineteen runs on 33 hits in last night’s wild game. Eleven of the 33 hits were for extra bases, and the starting pitchers surrendered a combined thirteen earned runs.

Expect nothing like that tonight, as two pitchers–Cliff Lee and Kyle Lohse–will take the mound tonight with ERA’s under three. Lee has been exceptionally great away from home, as he’s only given up one earned run in 16 innings away from Citizens Bank Park, along with a very low .170 AVG against.

He’s also been pretty darn good against this current crop of  Cardinals hitters, as collectively they’ve only posted a .230 average against him. The best hitter against Lee would be Rafael Furcal, as he’s 4-10 against the Phillies lefty with a triple, a home run, and 2 RBI. The worst would be Carlos Beltran, who is 2-12 against Lee, although both hits were doubles. Interestingly, Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse has a double off Lee in three career PAs against him.

As for Lohse’s pitching, he’s having the best year of his career so far. His 2012 ERA would be his career lowest, as would his strikeout rate and K/BB ratio. He’s been one of the better pitchers in the NL this year, and has decent numbers against the Phillies in his career. He’s posted a 3.43 ERA in ten starts against them, and has a .286 AVG against to the current group of Phillies hitters. Hunter Pence has a .318 average against him, Placido Polanco has a .333 average against him, and Ty Wiggingon, who will get the start tonight at first base, has a .533 average against him over his career. Tonight will be nothing like last night’s game in terms of offensive output, but will surely deliver the same level of excitement on the pitching side of things.

Lineup: Rollins SS, Pierre LF, Pence RF, Ruiz C, Victorino CF, Wigginton 1B, Polanco 3B, Galvis 2B, Lee P

GAMEDAY BEER: Busch Light

When the Phillies are in St. Louis [or hosting the Cardinals], we always go for the smooth, crisp, cheap taste of Busch beer. Tonight, we’ll go light for you, to ease you back into it. They don’t call it “easy drinkin’ for nothin’. This is an underage drinkers dream out in the sticks. Many a time you’ll find empty cans scattered in a wooded area from the local punks. It’s still $15 for a 30 pack, if I’m not mistaken. But really, Busch won’t kill your taste buds, either. It’s not the worst light beer ever invented, but it’s also far from the best. -By Pat

GO PHILLIES!

Galvis will make the Phillies make tough decisions.

Pop quiz: Which National League team had the highest production, measured in fWAR (click for definition), from second base in the entire Major Leagues in the last 7 days? How about the last 14 days? It’s the Freddy Galvis-led Philadelphia Phillies.

Galvis’s expectations for the year were generally low; the young infielder was expected to be a warm body to man second base with a great glove and Michael Martinez-level offense. The early returns matched those expectations: Galvis started the season 0-12, reaching base only once with a walk. Galvis has been a different player in the month of May, however.

Galvis has hit .321/.321/.571 with 2 HRs in his last 7 games, .315/.351/.519 in his last 14, and .300/.325/.500 in the month of May. Galvis’s second-best-in-the-NL defense was expected – his offensive contributions on a team lacking punch were not. Galvis leads all NL second basemen in doubles, is only 3 RBIs off the pace for the NL second basemen lead in that category, and is fourth among NL second basemen in SLG%. Galvis is quietly building a case for Rookie of the Year consideration, pacing all rookies in doubles and RBIs, and effectively thrusting himself into a conversation that includes a guy nicknamed “Captain Kirk”, a hot-hitting shortstop from Cincinnati, and the legendary Bryce Harper.

Galvis’s increased production has put the Phillies in an interesting spot – what do they do with Galvis if he continues to produce when Chase Utley returns? Some have suggested first base or left field for Utley, something that even a year ago may have been unthinkable for a second basemen who may have had the greatest 4 year run for any second baseman of all-time. Utley-to-left may be an interesting fit: the Phillies currently rank 12 out of 16 in WAR in the NL from their left fielders and Utley’s production, even if at 80% of his previous production, would be an improvement over Juan Pierre.

Whatever the case may be, Galvis will force the Phillies to make a series of difficult decisions regarding playing time and that is OK with me.

Shane Victorino pulls into second after a two-run double in the second inning.(AP)

As Charlie Manuel would say of the warm night in St. Louis, “Tonight was hittin’ weather.” And, oh, how true that would prove to be. Both teams would combine to score 19 total runs with 33 hits in a slug fest that found the Phillies outlasting the Cardinals by a score of 10-9.

FAST START FOR PHILS BATS

- As Ian Riccaboni wrote earlier today, Placido Polanco has had an offensive renaissance of sorts, getting hot at the end of April and continuing it into May. He’d get things started tonight for the Phils, starting off the top of the first with a one-out double. The early momentum with the hit would lead to a four-run inning for the Phillies, who would bat around, forcing Jake Westbrook to throw 39 pitches before recording the final out. Their patience led to two walks in the inning.

- After driving in one run in the first, Shane Victorino would drive in two more in the second to make it 6-0 nothing early. Much like Polanco, Victorino has started to get going at the plate after a slow start. He’s now hitting .312 in the month of May with an OPS approaching .900. He’s had 12 extra-base hits in that span, compared to just four XBHs during the month of April. He is currently 11 for his last 25 at-bats (.444).

TWO-OUT RUNS

- Most impressive about the Phillies quick start was the fact that five of their six runs came with two outs. Despite their offensive inconsistencies, scoring two-outs run is not something new for the Phillies this season. On the night, all but two of their runs would come with two outs, including the run they’d score in the fifth and the two they’d tack on in the sixth. Coming into tonight, they ranked seventh in the majors in two-out runs and fourth in the N.L. With tonight’s game, close to half their runs–88-of-188, to be exact–have come with two outs.

RED BIRDS BATTER BLANTON

- Coming off his worst start of the season against Boston, Joe Blanton was given some breathing room when he was spotted a six-run lead early. But even that wouldn’t be enough against a potent Cardinals offense, and we may have a new winner as far as Blanton’s worst start of the season goes.

- Here’s the damage: 4.1 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO, 2 HR.

- Though he found himself in trouble in all but one of his 4+ innings, Blanton allowed all seven earned runs in the third and fifth innings. He would get burned in the third when he allowed Cardinals’ starter Jake Westbrook to lead off the inning with a single to left. The lead-off hit would open the door for the Cardinals to put up a four-run. In the fifth, he’d allow the Cardinals to tie it with a solo home run by Matt Holliday and a two-run home run by Yadier Molina.

- After starting the year off very well, Blanton has notched two porous starts in a row. I didn’t expect Blanton to maintain the 2.81 ERA he had as a starter before the Boston game, but it did seem like he was throwing better than ever, keeping the ball low in the zone and commanding his fastball on both sides of the plate. Tonight, like in the Red Sox game, he got away from that, getting the ball up in the zone on a lot of pitches. It certainly didn’t help him that half of the fly balls he threw left the ballpark and that he only stranded 48.8% of base runners, but he just wasn’t great tonight. There is a silver lining: Blanton struck out five batters in his 4+ innings. But that number offers little solace in the grand scheme of things. The real solace comes in the fact that the Phils won the game.

GALVIS GETS BIG JOE OFF THE HOOK

- Say what you want about his statistics–and I agree there’s a lot of concerning things in the numbers–but Freddy Galvis seems to have a knack for getting a big hit in a bit spot. He did it again tonight. This time, the hit came in the sixth. Right after watching the Cardinals come back to tie it at seven, Galvis came to the plate with runners on first and second and two out. He fought off a tough change-up, serving it into shallow center field and bringing Victorino around to score. It was another clutch hit from the 22-year old Galvis, who had three RBI on the night, and is quickly building his reputation as a guy who likes the spotlight. Mike Fontenot would follow with a pinch-hit single to give the Phillies a 9-7 lead after Blanton  blew their initial margin.

BULLPEN DOES THE JOB

- After Raul Valdes was able to get two outs in relief of Blanton in the fifth inning, Chad Qualls came in and threw a 1-2-3 sixth. In a decision some thought imprudent, Charlie Manuel decided to send Qualls out for the seventh. After retiring the first two hitters he faced, he allowed a mammoth of a home run to David Freese to cut it to 9-8. A Yadier Molina single followed, and that brought Jake Diekman through the bullpen door. The Diek retired Matt Adams to end the inning.

- After a Ty Wigginton eighth-inning home run made it 10-8, Phils, Antonio Bastardo came on to pitch the bottom of the eighth. He’d work himself into a first and third jam with one out and Skip Schumaker at the plate. After a tough battle at the plate, Schumaker hit a long fly ball to left to score a run and make it 10-9. Bastardo would walk the next batter, before striking out Carlos Beltran to end the inning.  Phillies fans all over unclenched their fists and wiped massive amounts of sweat from their brows as Bastardo walked back to the dugout. It wasn’t pretty, but Bastardo was able to escape with the lead intact.

- Jonathan Papelbon did his thing in the ninth, allowing one hit, but ultimately slamming the door to preserve the victory and remain perfect on the season. He has now saved 13 games.

GAME NOTES

- Tonight’s game marks the second time this season a Phillies starter has blown a six-run lead. The first time came on May 2nd, when Roy Halladay uncharacteristically squandered a six-run lead against the Braves. The Phillies are 1-1 in those games.

- The Phillies continue their four-game set with the Cardinals tomorrow night when Cliff Lee (0-2, 2.66) faces off against former Phillie Kyle Lohse (5-1, 2.91). With two starters who are pitching very well right now on the mound, don’t expect another slug fest like tonight’s game.

Philadelphia Phillies (22-23) at St Louis Cardinals (25-19)

Joe Blanton (4-4, 3.74) vs. Jake Westbrook (4-3, 2.41)

Time: 8:15, Busch Stadium
TV: PHL 17
Weather: Sunny, 84
Media: Twitter and Facebook

For the first time since they eliminated them from last year’s playoffs, the Phillies will take on the St. Louis Cardinals tonight at Busch Stadium. Seeing the Phillies back in St. Louis will no doubt conjure up images of David Freese and the rally squirrel for Phils fans everywhere. This is not the same Cardinals team that beat the Phillies in game 5 of last year’s NLDS, however. Albert Pujols is now in L.A., Lance Berkman could be calling it a career, and Chris Carpenter has yet to throw a pitch in 2012, dealing with a shoulder issue. Despite their new look, this Cardinals team is in first place, and still a very formidable opponent. A big reason for their success so far this season has been their prolific offense, which ranks at or near the top of the N.L. in just about every offensive statistic.

Tonight, Joe Blanton will be tasked with shutting down that offense. 2012 has been very solid for Blanton so far, though he is coming off his worst start of the season, one in which he allowed seven runs (six earned) to the Red Sox over 4.1 innings. For his career, Blanton has faced the Red Birds six times (five starts), posting a 3-2 record and an ERA of 3.03–something that bodes well for the Phils tonight as they try to get back to .500. Another positive sign for the Phillies is the fact that Blanton has pitched better on the road this season, posting a road ERA (3.48) that is almost a half run less than his home ERA (3.90). However, his only two losses against the Cardinals came in his last two starts against them. He’ll look to end that skid tonight.

Veteran right-hander Jake Westbrook will take the ball for the Cardinals, and has pitched quite well this season. For his career, he’s faced the Phils three times, going 1-1 with a 3.52 ERA. Current Phillies hitters are hitting .269 against him in a combined 93 at-bats. Several players in tonight’s lineup have had a ton of success against Westbrook, including Polanco (.321), Pence (.583), and Wigginton (.333). Interestingly, no player on the active roster has ever homered against Westbrook. Jimmy Rollins returns from paternity leave and has been inserted at the top of the batting order.

Lineup: Rollins SS, Polanco 3B, Pence RF, Ruiz C, Victorino CF, Wigginton 1B, Mayberry LF, Galvis 2B, Blanton P

Your gameday beer: Saranac Summer Ale

What better way to quench your thirst during the summer-like day we’re moving into than with Saranac’s Summer Ale? With hints of honey and lemon, the Summer Ale is not too bitter in taste and goes down rather smoothly. Have it with a summer salad and some barbecue chicken. – By Ryan

GO PHILLIES!

How bad has it been for the Phillies in run-scoring situations?

Pence is struggling with RISP.

Only Ike Davis has more at-bats with runners in scoring position than Hunter Pence in the National League. Pence is getting his opportunities and doing nothing with them. Among batters with at least 25 plate appearances with runners in scoring position, Pence’s .714 OPS ranks 63rd in the NL. But it’s not just Pence failing. Jimmy Rollins has struggled his fair share as well, ranking 97th in the NL with a .576 OPS with RISP.

It’s really bad with a runner on third base and less than two outs, when the Phillies seem to have an uncanny ability to leave their guy on base. They’ve managed to plate only 42 runs in that situation, 13th out of 16 National League teams. Only Washington, San Diego, and Pittsburgh are worse. Is there a correlation between knocking in guys with runners on third and less than two outs? You might say so.

Three of the top six teams are the NL divisional leaders. Atlanta is hitting .370 in that situation, scoring 81 runs. The Los Angeles Dodgers are second in the NL, plating 65 runs. Colorado is third, with the St. Louis Cardinals sixth. The playoff contenders are getting the job done when they’re supposed to. Can Atlanta and Los Angeles sustain that level? Maybe not, but for now they are and it’s helping lead them to victories.

This failure to capitalize, of course, is a product of the lineup the Phillies are trotting out there. It features several slap-hitters on a daily basis. Not that you need to have light-tower power to succeed, however, it doesn’t hurt to have a hitter in that situation that can drive the ball.

Are they missing Ryan Howard? With RISP they are. In 2011, Howard had the third-most opportunities with runners in scoring position with 161 at-bats, just behind Carlos Lee and teammate Hunter Pence. Perhaps you think RBI’s are a useless barometer for a player. No matter, in this case, Howard did well, registering a .918 OPS, good for 29th in the NL, one spot behind Albert Pujols.

With a runner at third and less than two outs, Howard was quite good last season, as well. In 48 plate appearances, Howard compiled a .324 average and a .917 OPS.

Think the Phillies could use a little of that right now? I think so.

Leading the Phillies in hitting with RISP is, of course, Carlos Ruiz. He’s 30th in the NL with an .867 OPS and 17th with a .343 average. But Chooch can’t do it all himself. I’m sure the team is well aware of their failures in these spots, but it bears repeating; they must get better or they’ll be a .500 club all season.

Hamels pitched eight shutout innings as the Phillies won, 4-1, in the final game of a three-game home series with Washington. The Phils will now travel to St. Louis for four games.

Some observations from Wednesday’s game:

- The Phillies have won two games against the Nationals since last August 20, and both of them have been gems pitched by Hamels. He beat the Nats on May 6 in a game remembered more for his plunking of Bryce Harper than his eight innings of one-run baseball.

- Hamels is obviously very, very good. He carried a no-hitter into the sixth and looked absolutely dominant in all but one inning.

- Hamels leads the majors with seven wins.

- Carlos Ruiz had three hits in his first-ever appearance in the four-hole. So it doesn’t look like his spot in the batting order will affect a swing that refuses to go cold.

- In the last four or five days, Shane Victorino has looked the best he has all season. He homered and doubled to drive in two on Wednesday and is now batting .267/.330/.439.

- The Phillies bunt a lot and run a lot. Maybe it’ll end up being a positive. Maybe it won’t net them anything. Wednesday’s suicide squeeze was exciting, as Juan Pierre sacrificed in Mike Fontenot from third base. But Pierre was also easily out at first base earlier in the game retreating after a hit-and-run resulted in a shallow flyout. That’s the danger of playing too much small ball.

- Jonathan Papelbon is filthy. The Phillies shouldn’t have committed that much to a closer, but if you’re going to, this was the guy. His fastball and splitter can disappear in any count to seemingly any batter.

- It’s pretty amazing that the Phillies have ONE complete game this season, and it was from Blanton.

Washington Nationals (26-17) at Philadelphia Phillies (21-23)

Edwin Jackson (1-1, 3.31) vs. Cole Hamels (6-1, 2.48)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN, ESPN2
Weather: Cloudy, 74, chance of t-storms
Media: Twitter and Facebook

The Phillies, who are already on a season high four game losing streak, hope to avoid a sweep at the hands of their new rivals the Nationals. The Phils nearly got swept earlier this season in Washington, but a solid start by Cole Hamels and a mini offensive explosion helped the Phillies to victory.

Hamels will be on the mound again tonight, which means the highly anticipated round two of Hamels v Harper will indeed happen. As for the other hitters that Hamels will face, most have not fared well against him in the past.

The highest average by anyone with more than ten at-bats against Hamels in tonight’s Nats lineup is Ryan Zimmerman at .269 (Rick Ankiel is 4-10 and Bryce Harper is 2-3). I would expect Hamels to continue his dominance tonight.

For the Nats, Edwin Jackson will get the start, and he’s fairly unfamiliar to most of tonight’s lineup. They only have a combined 50 plate appearances against him, with Freddy Galvis having never faced him before. The last time he faced the Phillies, he shut them down in Game 4 of the NLDS. The Phillies are hoping that tonight goes differently than that night.

Lineup: Pierre LF, Polanco 3B, Pence RF, Ruiz C, Victorino CF, Wigginton 1B, Galvis SS, Fontenot 2B, Hamels P

Your gameday beer: Yeah man. Here’s Dogfish 90 Minute IPA. The 90 Minute is a sterling beer, flavorful and not overly strong in taste. But it hits you, and it hits you hard. It’s 9 percent, so it gets you good after a few. Drink with caution. And eat some mussels with it. – By Tim

GO PHILLIES!

Galvis has played a role in the Phillies success this season. (AP)

The Phillies have played just over 1/4 of their games. So, we give out the awards for what has gone down thus far.

MVP AWARD: Carlos Ruiz

-This is an easy one. Chooch has been phenomenal from the minute the season began. In spring training, he knew he would have to take on a larger role within the offense. No way he – or anyone else for that matter – thought he’d be this good, right? Chooch has been the saving grace for this offense. Over the last month, Ruiz has a 1.132 OPS and has been moved up to fifth in the order. Thank the Lord for Chooch.

CY YOUNG AWARD: Cole Hamels

-Jonathan Papelbon certainly deserves a look too, but he only pitches one inning at a time. So the award goes to Cole, and rightfully so. Hamels is tied for the league lead in wins with six and ranks high in pretty much every other category. He has been the horse this season. Not that Halladay and Lee haven’t been good, it’s just that Hamels has been excellent.

GUY YOU WEREN’T SURE ABOUT AND STILL AREN’T SURE ABOUT BUT ARE HAVING FUN WATCHING AWARD: Freddy Galvis

-Galvis can play the field. He’s one of the smoothest son-of-a-guns on a diamond this team has seen in a while. Like a young Young James. But, we’re still not sure about his bat. Galvis has had some really big hits, but he’s also looked completely over matched. Either way, it’s been cool watching him make it in the majors.

GUY YOU THOUGHT COULD REALLY BREAK OUT BUT HASN’T AND YOU DON’T KNOW WHY AWARD: John Mayberry Jr.

-Really thought JMJ could be a legit 20-home run threat with the right amount of at-bats. Through May 22, he only has one. I can’t pinpoint the issue, but he just hasn’t looked like the Mayberry of late last season. That’s a damn shame, too. I was looking forward to that breakout and so far, it hasn’t come.

BEST THING ABOUT CITIZENS BANK PARK IN 2012 AWARD: The sellout streak continuing

-No matter how it happens, the Phillies continue to sell tickets. Ranking paid attendance, the Phillies are by far number one in baseball.

WORST THING ABOUT CITIZENS BANK PARK in 2012 AWARD: The sellout streak continuing

-Yes, all the tickets are sold, but not everyone is showing up. Most of the games have been roughly 75-90 percent full in my estimation. The bigger games have had a packed house, but for the most part it’s been empty right up until game time and then slowly filling in. Phillies fans needs to step it up and pack the house no matter what.

BEST OF THE BULLPEN AWARD: Antonio Bastardo

-We’re excluding Jonathan Papelbon. We know he’s been good. Tony has really turned it around after a rough start. His velocity is not the same as in 2011, but that’s hardly mattered. Over 12 1/3 innings, Bastardo has walked a few too many (7) but has made up for that with 14 strikeouts and just five hits allowed. They’ve needed him to continue his strong progression and he has.

WORST OF THE BULLPEN AWARD: Chad Qualls

-When you sign guys that have pitched in the most games in the last seven years, you might be playing with fire. The Phillies clearly are with Qualls. Do I think he’ll be this bad all year? Absolutely not. I think Chad Qualls will end up being OK. But through the first month-plus, it’s been a while ride in the eighth (and ninth, occasionally) that no one really wants to be a part of. Qualls has given up a bunch of games on his own, never a good sign when your pen as a whole is looking for guys to step up.

PHILLIE YOU WERE MOST EXCITED ABOUT AWARD: Tie – Jake Diekman/Hector Luna

-A lot of people asked about both of these guys during spring and thought both should make it. Well, here they are. Diekman had one rough outing, but looks like he definitely has the stuff to stick around in the major leagues. Luna provides some pop off the bench – huge grand slam in Chicago was awesome – and can play multiple positions. They aren’t the sexiest names, but they’ve made an impression.

MOST FRUSTRATING PHILLIE AWARD: Hunter Pence

-Maybe I’m nitpicking here, but Pence is more frustrating to watch than Jimmy Rollins, who also could have taken home this award. His plate discipline sometimes makes you want to rip your eyes out of your head. He should be hitting for a higher average, but can’t seem to slow down at the plate. It’s not hard to love his intensity, but that can often times be a detriment.

SCREW THE SOPHOMORE SLUMP AWARD: Vance Worley

-Worley told me he has used the chatter that he would fall back to earth as motivation. The Vanimal hardly needs it. He’s had a great second season, making this rotation as a whole, one of the best in baseball – if not THE best. He’ll have to pitch through elbow pain for the remainder of the season, but if anyone can do it, it’s the Vanimal.

Through 14 games with Lakewood, the switch-hitting Stumpo has posted a .314 batting average with 2 doubles, a triple and 7 RBI. Prior to joining Lakewood, Stumpo sported a .313 average in 4 games with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers. In the two seasons prior, Stumpo combined to bat .243 with 1 HR and 26 RBI in 67 combined games at three levels.

Back in June, 2010, Stumpo, a West Chester University graduate, was stunned to hear his name selected by his favorite club during the annual Major League Baseball amateur draft (33rd round). He describes that draft day as one of the most remarkable moments of his life.

“When the Phillies called my name on draft day, I was really excited,” Stumpo, whose father is a Phillies season ticket holder, recently told PhilliesNation.com’s Jay Floyd. “I talked to them before the draft and I thought it might happen, but getting drafted by the team you’ve been following your whole life is really exciting. Hopefully, I can keep moving up and up and be out in Citizens Bank Park one day. It’s almost a dream come true.”

Almost is a meaningful element to that statement for the 6-foot-3-inch 225-pounder. His ultimate goal is to one day don the catcher’s pads for his big league parent club. In the meantime, though, Stumpo speaks like a mature, media savvy Phillie player already. Asked about the troublesome stats belonging to Lakewood’s starting rotation (two hurlers have ERA’s of 6 or greater, while another has an ERA of 4.67, and only one has a winning record), Stumpo put a positive spin on the progress of the pitchers that he helps guide and refocused the negative on the bright futures each hurler could have.

“It’s a talented group. I mean, all of them can pitch, we know that. It’s a different situation, where some guys have never been on a full season team, you know, they were down in Florida, in extended or things like that, going to short-season, so it’s a process of getting used to it and stuff, especially playing up in the cold for a couple weeks, early in the season. But, there’s a lot of talent in this starting rotation, so I don’t think it’s going to be a problem. (I’m) just trying to lead them in the right way,” Stumpo said.

The 24–year-old Stumpo grew up rooting for many of the same players that loads of similarly aged members of the Phillies Nation did during their formative years. Names like Jim Thome, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino stand out as individuals that Stumpo looked up to and modeled his playing style after. But there is one player that stands out just a bit more to Stumpo, who fashions his hard-nosed on-field grind after one of Philadelphia’s hardest playing athletes.

“I’ve always loved how Chase Utley played the game,” Stumpo said with admiration. “It just stands out, how hard he plays. Utley’s number one, of guys to watch and learn from, just because of how intense he is and how he plays the game. He never takes a play off and never takes a pitch off. I’d say I watched Utley the most.”

Stumpo’s demeanor and skills make him stand out as a leader, which is impressive, in just his second full season in the minors. Lakewood manager, former Phillies All-Star Mickey Morandini, coached Stumpo last season in Williamsport and recognizes Stumpo’s ability to be a field general and a positive influence on his team off the field. According to Stumpo, while his demotion from Clearwater to Lakewood in April was beneficial and mainly focused on getting him additional at bats, he thinks Morandini had a little something to do with the move.

“I’m an older guy and I was with Mickey last year and I think he wanted to get me up here, and get me more playing time, and help out around the clubhouse, and help the younger guys and things like that,” Stumpo said.

While he is pleased with his current spot in the organization and credits an aggressive approach with a focus on working the count for his success thus far with Lakewood, Stumpo is always focused on reaching the next level and has a simple Phillie-centric outlook toward attaining his goals and climbing the developmental ladder.

“(I) just try to help my team, anyway I can, whenever I get the chance…even helping other guys.”

That’s how Phillies do it. That’s Bob Stumpo.

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Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation.com’s minor league insider.  You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

Doc says guys are pressing (AP)

Roy Halladay owned up Tuesday night and admitted that a lot of the guys in the Phillies clubhouse are putting added pressure on themselves. As you can tell, it’s not working.

Halladay had one of his best post-game press conferences since joining the Phillies. Here are some audio excerpts. If you have time, take a listen:

Halladay May 22 – On Chooch getting tossed “I didn’t see anything wrong”

Halladay 2 – May 22 – Losses are definitely frustrating

Halladay 3 – May 22 – Guys are trying to carry the weight of the team, including him

Halladay 4 – May 22 – “You do it cause you want to, not cause you have to”

Halladay 5 – May 22 – Finding the right time to talk to the team is tough

Halladay 6 – May 22 – Matter of going out and enjoying it

Halladay 7 – May 22 – Different than Toronto

Halladay 8 – May 22 – Have such a good team, they do press more

Halladay 9 – May 22 – Leadership on the team

Halladay 10 – May 22 – Charlie is the leader, you dont want to interfere with him too much

Halladay 11 – May 22 – Feels like he needs to be a little better

Halladay 12 – May 22 – Not Happy with results

Photo Credit: Philly.com

With tonight’s 5-2 loss, the Phillies dropped their second straight to the Washington Nationals. Their fourth consecutive loss drops them two games below .500. Just when it seemed like the Phillies turned things around, they go back to their losing ways.

HALLADAY NOT HIS BEST

-Roy Halladay struggled through six innings. He allowed five earned runs on nine hits. He walked one and struck out six, but he surrendered two home runs.

-The month of May hasn’t been pretty for Doc. In 33.1 innings, Halladay has given up 40 hits. In five starts, he has allowed 20 earned runs. That’s a 5.40 ERA in the month of May.

-Halladay’s ERA is now 3.58 this season. At the end of May in 2007, Halladay had an ERA of 3.90: that would be the last time Halladay had an ERA this high through the first two months of the season.

BIG THIRD INNING FOR NATS

-Halladay ran into most of his trouble during the third inning, where he allowed four earned runs. Jordan Zimmermann and Steve Lombardozzi led off the inning with back-to-back singles. Bryce Harper continued to hurt the Phillies, smacking a triple over Shane Victorino‘s head. Two runs scored on the play, giving the Nationals the lead. Harper would then show off his speed by scoring on a sacrifice fly.

-Harper wasn’t the only one who hurt Halladay that inning; Ian Desmond topped off the inning with a solo-shot to left.

GAME NOTES

-Carlos Ruiz was ejected in the third inning after arguing balls and strikes. Ruiz didn’t appear heated at first, as it looked like he just turned around to ask umpire Gary Cederstrom where the pitch was. Ruiz remained in his catcher’s crouch during the conversation, but eventually the home plate umpire had enough and tossed Ruiz.

The ejection appeared out of line, as the conversation didn’t look too intense. Then again, it is unknown what words were exchanged between the two.

In Ruiz’s defense, the umpire did seem to be squeezing the strike zone all night.

Right-hander Vance Worley met with Dr. James Andrews yesterday.  Dr. Andrews confirmed the Phillies original diagnosis of right elbow inflammation.

Right-hander David Herndon received a PRP injection today in his right elbow by Dr. Ciccotti.  He will be re-evaluated again in two weeks.

Right-hander Michael Stutes will be shut down for another 10 days to two weeks, at which point he will be re-evaluated to see if he can begin a throwing program.

Right-hander Justin De Fratus has been cleared to begin a throwing program this Friday, May 25.

Washington Nationals (25-17) at Philadelphia Phillies (21-22)

Jordan Zimmermann (2-4, 2.58) vs. Roy Halladay (4-3, 3.22)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Showers, 69
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Injury news: Vance Worley is back from his trip to see Dr. James Andrews and the news stays the same for the Phillies righty. He has loose bodies in his elbow, so it’s likely he’ll try to pitch through the pain, a la Cole Hamels last season.

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No Jimmy Rollins again for the Phillies. He’s been placed on paternity leave following the birth of his daughter, so Erik Kratz has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take his spot on the roster. Rollins should be back in a couple of days.

Jordan Zimmermann is the man the Phillies will be facing tonight. Have to hope for an opposite performance than that against Gio Gonzalez. The Phillies had him on the ropes a few times throughout, but as has been the case all year, they were unable to capitalize with men in scoring position. It’s been their knock all year. And it won’t be any easier with Zimmermann on the hill, either, although recently the 26-year-old has been touch and go.

The right-hander has faced the Phillies once this year, giving up three runs in six innings. In his last start, he allowed four runs in six innings in a loss to the Pirates. However, in four starts total this year, he’s allowed one run.

Roy Halladay looks to continue his string of nice outings. You’ll notice the 3.22 ERA, which stands out next to Halladay’s name. That’s basically a byproduct of the 8 run outing back on May 2 that inflated those digits. Since that shellacking by the Braves, Halladay has seven, seven, and eight innings, respectively, giving up no more than three earned runs in any of those starts. His strikeout stuff is back, too, as he’s fanned 21 in the last three outings.

Once again, expect a low-scoring, close game with two very good pitchers dueling.

Lineup: Pierre LF, Polanco 3B, Victorino CF, Pence RF, Ruiz C, Luna 1B, Galvis SS, Fontenot 2B, Halladay P

Your gameday beer: Victory Prima Pils

Prima Pils is a great beer for anytime of the year. It’s got a little bit of a bite on the end of it, which I like with my microbrew pilsners. Victory says it’s an herbal bite over layers of smooth malts. I’d say that’s accurate. Prima Pils is both refreshing and thirst-quenching for a beer. It’s a little heavier at 5.3%, so go easier on it. I’d have some pasta with chicken and a tall glass of this tonight. – Pat

GO PHILLIES!

On the latest edition of Phillies Nation TV, our special guest is David Hale from the Wilmington News Journal. He sticks around for segments one and two, discussing the Phillies handling of Ryan Howard’s rehab, the Kevin Youkilis rumors, and much more.

Natalie Egenolf is back with reader comments and questions, including who would be the MLB player most likely to front a boy band. Hard-hitting stuff!

And, we dive into the Roy Oswalt rumors – would he be a fit for the Phillies with Vance Worley injured?

Gio was too much for the Phillies (AP)

Washington came out on top in the opener of the set, winning 2-1.

KENDRICK KEEPS PHILS IN IT

-Kyle Kendrick really struggled to throw strikes early, yet kept his team well within striking distance. His best inning was the fifth when he retired the Nationals on just seven pitches.

-Somehow, someway, Kendrick was able to finish seven innings, giving up two runs on five hits. KK struck out four and walked two. His final three innings were much better than the first four, which is what kept him in the game long enough. Overall, not a terrible effort overall.

-To end the game, the Phillies retired the final 17 Nationals that stepped to the plate after Ian Desmond’s RBI single in the fourth and Danny Espinosa’s walk right after.

OFFENSE KEEPS THEM OUT

-No surprise here, the Phillies offense could not completely figure out Gio Gonzalez. In the third, they had the bases loaded and got nothing out of it. In the sixth inning, they had runners at second and third with nobody out and again managed zero runs.

-They just cannot get runners home when they need to. Getting guys on base really isn’t the issue, it’s having them touch home once they’re on. Talk about frustrating. In that sixth, Hunter Pence hit a rocket right at Rick Ankiel. Then, Carlos Ruiz smoked a ball right at Adam LaRoche. The Nats first baseman did this smart thing and easy gunned out Placido Polanco trying to score. John Mayberry flew out for the third out of the frame. Your 2012 Phillies, everyone.

-I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Phils also struggled with the Nats bullpen. Another squandered opportunity in the eighth inning may have been the most frustrating. With two on and one out, Hunter Pence (stop me if you’ve heard this) swung at a first pitch, popping up to third base. Carlos Ruiz then grounded out to end the threat.

-In the ninth, John Mayberry led off with a four pitch walk off a wild Henry Rodriguez. He then moved to second on a one-out wild pitch, and to third on a single by Mike Fontenot. Mayberry made a bit of a blunder by not scoring on a wild pitch, but would touch home after Rodriguez was sent to the showers. Sean Burnett came in and gave up a sac fly to Ty Wigginton. But, the Phillies could not get that tying run home as Hector Luna walked, leading to a lineout by Polanco to end the game.

-With runners in scoring position, the Phillies finished 1-for-10 and left a total of 10 men on base.

GONZALEZ AND HARPER

-In his first at-bat, Bryce Harper was met with a loud chorus of boos. After the fans settled, Harper went 2-for-4 with a couple of singles.

-Gio Gonzalez had a decent night, but that’s mostly because the Phillies could not capitalize. He struck out nine in six inning, but did walk three while allowing three hits. However, it was a goose egg on the scoreboard where it matters most. The former Phillies farm hand lowered his ERA in the process to 1.98. Gonzalez also leads the majors in strikeouts, leaping over Justin Verlander, with 69.

NOTES

-Raul Valdes pitched two great innings. Getting more from him and Diekman would be huge. They need reliable arms in the pen.

-The weather is supposed to be just as crappy tomorrow. It’ll be another good pitching matchup regardless of the conditions. Jordan Zimmerman faces Roy Halladay. Expect few runs, again.

Washington Nationals (24-17) at Philadelphia Phillies (21-21)

Gio Gonzalez (5-1, 2.22) vs. Kyle Kendrick (0-3, 5.96)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Showers, 65
Media: Twitter and Facebook

As you likely know, Jimmy Rollins is not in the lineup as he celebrates the birth of his first child, a baby girl, with his wife, Johari. Freddy Galvis moves to the other side of second base, Mike Fontenot jumps in for his first start with the Phillies since being recalled.

But, the scariest news of the day belongs to Vance Worley. He’s seeing Dr. James Andrews, according to Ruben Amaro Jr. Never a good sign.

Other than that, Jim Thome is swinging a bat but has not taken fielding practice. Placido Polanco is feeling better and is back in the lineup. Good things, I guess.

For tonight, the Phillies will face Gio Gonzalez. If you’re worried, you should be. With a makeshift order, plus a dominant lefty on the hill in addition to a struggling Kyle Kendrick pitching for the Phils, things could get a little ugly at the Bank. On May 5, Gonzalez gave up one run over seven innings, striking out seven against the Phillies.

Really, the key tonight is Kendrick. If he can keep it close by giving up four runs or less, the Phillies may have a shot.

Lineup: Pierre LF, Polanco 3B, Victorino CF, Pence RF, Ruiz C, Mayberry 1B, Galvis SS, Fontenot 2B, Kendrick P

Your gameday beer: Guinness Black Lager

Tonight is a great night for a darker beer. It’s overcast and crappy. Plus, it’s a bit chilly. Black Lager is warming and isn’t as thick as regular Guinness. Of course, I enjoy the original much more, however, this is really a decent alternative for a more mainstream drink. Would go well with a beef stew. -Pat

GO PHILLIES!

Vance is seeing Dr. Andrews. (AP)

-Three words you never want to hear if you’re a pitcher: Dr. James Andrews. Vance Worley is hearing those words today as he sees the infamous doctor to get a better sense of why he’s having elbow pain. Ruben Amaro gave that update today, but did not have any results from the appointment as of roughly 4:30 pm. Results from an MRI showed a bone chip in Worley’s right elbow and some inflammation as the reason for the discomfort. But, the Phillies decided not to take chances and had him see Andrews.

More on this as we get it…

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-Jimmy Rollins is not in the lineup tonight after his wife, Johari, gave birth to a baby girl. Freddy Galvis will start at shortstop, Mike Fontenot gets the call at second base. I’ve never had a child before, but I can imagine it being a trying time for someone, especially when every at-bat is scrutinized like it is for Rollins. Will this ease things for Jimmy from here on out? We’ll see. But, congrats are in order for Rollins and his wife.

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-Placido Polanco is back in the lineup tonight against Washington, batting second. He had been sidelined with what was originally called a knee injury. Ruben Amaro confirmed that it was instead an ankle injury.

Is this the start of a new rivalry?

The Phillies will host the Nationals tonight in the first of a three-game set, and the series is sure to be one of the more intense ones this year. This is because the Phillies and the Nationals have developed a new found rivalry this that has never been present before, because the Mets were the Phils biggest rival.

But ever since 2007, the Phillies-Mets rivalry has really cooled down, and with the Phils being so dominant in the division, the term “rival” didn’t really mean what it used to.

Fast forward to 2012. The Phillies have found themselves in last place in the NL East, looking up at the first place Braves, and for a little while were looking up at the first place Nationals. The Nats even took two of three from the Phils in the “Take Back Our Park” series earlier this month where the theme was to get Phillies fans away from Nationals Park.

In the third game of the series, Cole Hamels intentionally beaned rookie phenom Bryce Harper. The story made headlines, and Hamels even found himself sidelined for five games due to a suspension. Clearly, Hamels was just trying to intimidate Harper in their first ever meeting, but could Hamels have done more than that? Harper is the Nationals prized young hitter. Nationals manager Mike Rizzo lashed out at Hamels, calling him “fake tough” for hitting Harper, comments that would result in a fine.

Now think about the Mets. Think about all the intense games the Phillies and Mets have had this year, and all the suspensions and fines and exchanges of words between to two teams. Drawing a blank? Me too. A Phillies-Mets series this year is no different than a Phillies-Marlins series or maybe even a Phillies-Braves series, even though they hold first place right now.

There is just something–a spark–that exists between the Phillies and the Nationals this year, which is why I think that they are the Phillies biggest rival right now. The Mets have a longer history with the Phillies, the Braves have been more dominant than the Phillies for a longer period of time in the past, and the Marlins have never really fallen into the “rival” category with the Phils.

With that being said, who do you think is the Phillies biggest rival this year?

Following a few productive years in the Phillies’ developmental ranks, Costanzo was traded to Houston, along with Michael Bourn and Geoff Geary, for Brad Lidge and Eric Bruntlett following the 2007 season. That year, his second full season as a pro, Costanzo batted .270 while lacing 27 homers and driving in 86 runs for the Reading Phillies. Costanzo was then flipped in another deal, during the same off-season, to the Orioles for All-Star Miguel Tejada.

The road to the big leagues was a long one for the determined Costanzo. After his impressive season at Double-A in 2007, his production faltered. As he took a step upward to Triple-A in 2008, Costanzo struggled and saw his OPS dip 130 points from the previous season. The following year, Costanzo split time between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk, posting improved numbers, but Baltimore didn’t see big league potential in the 6-foor-3-inch 215-pounder and he did not return to the organization the following season.

Back at home as a free agent, Costanzo signed with the independent Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League. In 2010, Costanzo played just 16 games there before Cincinnati called to offer him a contract with an affiliated team.

In each of the past three seasons, including this year, the lefty hitting Costanzo has split time at the Double-A level and the Triple-A level in the Reds organization. Overall in the minors, since joining Cincinnati, Costanzo has posted a .263 batting average with 30 HR and 137 RBI in 248 games played.

Last week, the Coastal Carolina University product made his Major League debut after nearly 8 long years in the minor leagues. He did so by driving in a run on a sacrifice fly against Washington’s Edwin Jackson.

Ironically, for Costanzo, he got the call that he was finally being promoted to the Majors at the expense of another third baseman that was selected in the second round by Philadelphia. Scott Rolen, a 1993 draft pick, was placed on the disabled list with a shoulder strain and left a vacancy for the 28-year-old Costanzo to realize his dream of reaching the big leagues.  Rolen had been a guy Costanzo looked up to, prior to turning pro.

Everything about the experience of playing big league baseball was exciting for Costanzo, who was never sure if he would make it to the highest level of the sport he loved so much.

“A lot of emotions are running around in my head.  It’s been quite a journey for me.  I’m ecstatic about being here,” Costanzo told MLB.com recently.

On Saturday afternoon, against the Yankees in New York, the experience got just a little bit sweeter for Costanzo, as he notched his first big league hit. The single came against right-hander Ivan Nova.

In the MLB.com piece, Costanzo stated that he never once gave up on his dream of playing big league baseball.

“I love baseball,” Costanzo said.  “Definitely being 28 and in Triple-A the last five years, going to indy ball and doing all that stuff, it makes you wonder sometimes. Never did I want to stop playing.”
Additional note-

Costanzo and Rolen aren’t the only third baseman in the Cincinnati organization that were drafted in the 2nd round by the Phillies. Travis “Moose” Mattair, a 2007 draft pick, was taken by the Reds in the Rule 5 draft last year.  Mattair has posted a .178 batting average with 6 HR and 15 RBI in 33 games for Class A Advanced Bakersfield this season.

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Image- AP

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider.  You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.